Academic Comparison between WMU and Calvin

Western Michigan University and Calvin University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. WMU is a four-year, public school located in Kalamazoo, MI and Calvin is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Grand Rapids, MI.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • WMU is a public and Calvin is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Calvin has more expensive tuition & fees ($39,350) than WMU ($19,952).
  • It is harder to admit to Calvin than WMU.
  • WMU has more students with 16,744 students while Calvin has 3,681 students.
  • Calvin has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while WMU's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • WMU has more full-time faculties with 743 faculties while Calvin has 194 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
WMU Calvin
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Western Michigan Universityvs.Calvin University
Kalamazoo, MichiganLocationGrand Rapids, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (smaller programs)
In-State$15,987
Out-Of-State$19,952
2025 Tuition & Fees$39,350
74%% Receiving Financial Aid92%
$9,864Average Amount of Financial Aid$26,719
84.60 %Acceptance Rates70.91 %
13.53 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.44 %
-SAT Score1,220
-ACT Score27
58 %Graduation Rate74 %
27 %Transfer-out Rate16 %
81 %Retention Rate87 %
16,744Student Population3,681
743Number of Faculties194
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services